Want to have fuller, better-looking hair? Start by taking care of your scalp with these easy-to-follow tips

Your scalp is essentially an extension of the skin on your face, which means it needs the same level of care. After all, great hair begins with a healthy scalp – in other words, the condition of your scalp is directly linked to the quality and, sometimes, even volume of your hair.

Proper scalp care is even more important if you’re prone to having oily hair, an itchy and sensitive scalp, or suffering from hair loss or issues such as dandruff. There’s no need to sign up for pricey in-salon scalp treatments (although they could be helpful) if you get the basics right. A well-executed at-home regime can lead to a happier, balanced scalp.

PICK THE RIGHT PRODUCT

Using the wrong shampoo could aggravate scalp problems. So the first thing you want to do is to ensure that you’re using the right type of shampoo – meaning a product that’s suitable for your scalp condition and hair type. Some people have an oily scalp, while others suffer from a dry and sensitive scalp.

Finding a formula that works for your hair type will help your hair “behave” and look healthier. Some shampoos, for example, are formulated to help tame frizzy, flyaway or curly hair, while others have a lightweight formulation that doesn’t weigh down fine hair. Those with chemically treated hair are often recommended to use a shampoo made specifically for dyed or permed hair – doing so can prolong and preserve a colour or curl job.

Try: Aveda Scalp Solutions Balancing Shampoo, S$62

Formulated for daily use, its cooling formula gently removes excess oil and impurities while improving scalp hydration.

Available at Aveda outlets.

THE CORRECT WAY TO SHAMPOO

Lather, rinse, repeat – you should already be familiar with the drill. What may be new to you is that shampooing twice when washing your hair may not be necessary or beneficial for everyone.

Depending on your scalp condition and how dirty your hair or scalp is, shampooing twice may provide oily scalp with a more thorough cleanse, however, doing so to a dry and sensitive scalp will strip it of its natural oils.

That said, no matter what your scalp condition is like, there may be days when you perspire more or perhaps be wearing styling products in your hair. On such occasions, a “double cleanse” may be necessary.

When shampooing, what you should be focusing on is your scalp. Lather up the shampoo in your hands first and then work the product onto your scalp with a gentle massaging or rubbing motion.  While doing so, the key is to be gentle and not scratch the scalp with your nails – this can damage the scalp skin, which in turn may lead to inflammation and irritation.

You won’t need to put shampoo directly onto the hair shaft, unless there’s styling product or excessive dirt buildup in your tresses. As you rinse the shampoo off your scalp, the product will run down the lengths of your hair – take the opportunity to gently rub the lengths and ends to clean them without stripping them of moisture.

Conditioner is necessary, as it restores moisture to hair and softens it. It’ll also detangle hair strands and prevent breakage when you comb through or style your hair after a washing. Take note that conditioner shouldn’t be used on the scalp or roots of the hair though – it’s meant to be applied from the middle of the hair shaft up to the ends only. Ensure that you rinse it out of your hair thoroughly before stepping out of the shower.

Try: Virtue Labs’ Recovery Conditioner, S$73, at Sephora

Formulated with Alpha Keratin 60ku – which deposits keratin protein directly onto hair – the ingredient reconstructs frayed hair cuticles and brittle ends, infusing tresses with softness, shine and manageability.

Available at Sephora.

TARGETED SCALP CARE

Beyond the basics, you’d do well to up your scalp care game with scalp treatments that will no doubt improve your scalp health.

Deep cleanse the scalp and hair with a clarifying shampoo. These shampoos can help to clear hair follicles that have become clogged with sebum or buildup over time, but should only be used once or twice a week, in replace of your regular shampoo, to maintain a clean and healthy scalp and tresses that are free of buildup.

Try: Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo, S$26.50, at Watsons

Once a week, deep cleanse your scalp and hair with this shampoo, which removes mineral deposits, product buildup, excess oils, and even silicones that can accumulate over time.

Available at Watsons.

There are also scalp scrubs and exfoliants that give scalp skin either a mechanical or chemical exfoliation, depending on the type of formulation. These also deep cleanse the scalp, working to clear excessive buildup and dead skin cells, particularly if you’re prone to having an oily scalp.

Try: Oribe’s Serene Scalp Exfoliator Scrub, S$82.82, at Shunji Matsuo

It uses a blend of chemical and physical exfoliants – soft polymer beads gently polish away oil, dirt and product buildup while alpha-hydroxy acids and fruit extracts cleanse hair follicles.

Available at Shunji Matsuo Hair Salon.

The next product that can truly level up daily care for your scalp is a scalp serum. Think of it as skincare for your head – you moisturise your face daily after cleansing it, so why not do the same for your scalp? Depending on which product you choose, they can provide a host of different benefits, from hydration and soothing itchiness to reducing hair loss and balancing the scalp’s pH.

Try: Kerastase Nutri-Supplement Scalp Serum, S$93

Treat a dry or weak scalp with this serum, which has a non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula that boosts hydration levels and nourishes with vitamins.

Available at leading hair salons.

DIAL DOWN THE HEAT

Most people are concerned about how heat-styling tools can damage their hair, but did you know that your scalp can also suffer from the heat emitted from a hairdryer? Remember when you accidentally focused a hairdryer’s heat on a single spot of your head for a little too long? You’d know how it can burn the scalp, especially when the heat setting is put on high.

Even if the heat doesn’t burn, it can irritate your scalp and disrupt the balance of the natural oils in your scalp which is why it is recommended to dry your hair on a medium or low heat setting, particularly if you need to use the hairdryer daily.

Try: Dyson’s Supersonic Nural hairdryer, S$699

It boasts proprietary sensor technology that protects your scalp by reducing the heat from low to high, according to the distance the device is from your head.

Available at Dyson outlets.